November is National Adoption Month. I was born in Kolkata, India, and adopted when I was nine months old. I came home to America on June 29, 2000. Being adopted by my parents has shaped my identity in more ways than I can count. My parents will always be my parents. They have been there for me every single day since I came home in 2000.
I do wonder about who brought me into the world and what they would think of me if they saw me today at 22-years old. Do they wonder where I am in the world? Would they remember me as a newborn baby? How much do I look like them? Do I have any biological siblings? These are all questions that are never too far from my mind.
If I had the chance to talk to my biological parents, I would say just two words. I would tell them thank you. I’d want to thank them for deciding that adoption would be in my best interest. Without their decision, there is no way to tell where I would be in the world. I might still be in Kolkata.
Because I was adopted, I have been blessed with a fantastic family. My aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins have always been there for me. I have never been treated any differently because I was adopted. I was always just a niece, daughter, granddaughter, or cousin. Because my parents adopted me, I have enjoyed being an older sister for nearly 18 years.
My parents knew that adopting a baby with CP might mean extra sacrifice for them, but they adopted me anyway. They’ve always been there for me through physical therapy, doctor’s appointments, surgeries and everything in between.
I feel very blessed to have been adopted into such a loving community of family, friends, teachers, therapists and caregivers. The impacts each of you have had on my life are irreplaceable and I’m so blessed to have all of you.
Source:
Lortz, Dennis. “Celebrate National Adoption Month.” WOAY, 5 Nov. 2021, https://woay.com/celebrate-national-adoption-month/.
I am grateful for you every day!